By Dr. Kwame Nantambu
July 20, 2007

One of the most perplexing, disturbing and still yet unresolved perennial reality-check dilemmas that afflict Afrikan-Trinbagonians is their supremely blurred vision to clearly ascertain the intrinsic, historical differences between emancipation versus liberation.

In this regard, Malcolm X is perfectly correct when he concludes: “The major problem with Black people is that we left our minds in Africa.”
Continue reading Emancipation versus Liberation →

By Faine Richards
www.guardian.co.tt
July 18, 2007

Succumbing to criticisms from corporate sponsors and the general public, an emotional Choc’late Allen broke down during yesterday’s Youth Motivational Awards.

A small stream of tears rolled down the 13-year-old activist’s face as she reflected on the controversy surrounding the 100 per cent Crime Free Youth Motivational Awards.
Continue reading Danah accepts award: Choc’late laments double standard →

By Raffique Shah
July 15, 2007

We have the land space and know-how to grow most, if not all, the vegetables we consume. This is one component of food production where we can consider exporting the surplus. Since tourism is the backbone of the economies of many Caribbean countries, and given that most of the islands are capable of producing quality vegetables at competitive prices, regional governments should insist that hotels and restaurants that benefit from generous tax concessions must link a local vegetables-and-fruits component to any such benefits. Hoteliers may point to certain negative farming practices, the unreliability of supply and quality as reasons for importing these items.
Continue reading Food security solutions →

By Leiselle Maraj
newsday.co.tt
Friday, July 13 2007

The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has listed Trinidad and Tobago among ten countries in the world which abuse Hindus’ human rights in its third annual Hindu human rights report for 2006 published on Wednesday.

The HAF is a non-profit, non-partisan human rights group, “promoting the Hindu and American ideals of understanding, tolerance and pluralism,” according to the foundation’s website.
Continue reading Hindus under attack in TT →

By Dr. Selwyn R. Cudjoe
July 11, 2007

The University of the West Indies (UWI) at St. Augustine has awarded Miss Camini Maharj a Doctor of Letters (D.Litt) degree for a position she does not hold and in a field that does not exist. UWI’s website describes Miss Marajh as an “investigations editor” and tells us that she is worthy of one of the most coveted awards any recognized university can confer because she “has reported in depth,” not necessarily with distinction, “on a wide range of issues, including crime, the legislature, and the environment in Trinidad and Tobago” over the years.
Continue reading Dr. Camini Marajh, D.Litt? →

By Raffique Shah
July 08, 2007

Everyone expects the Government to do something to mitigate food prices. It’s true that governments are elected to office to attend to the basic needs of the people-food, water, shelter, health services and so on. But who says that governments have the answers to all our problems? In the case of food security, no government, from the PNM back in 1956 to the PNM of today, seems to have grasped the fundamentals of the post-colonial dilemma.
Continue reading Revamp food production, resuscitate local fruit →